It’s the most wonderful and magical time of the year, and Houston has lots of ways of showing it.

There are so many unique holiday events to enjoy with friends and family; from the Nutcracker at the Houston Ballet to the Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens.

“Snowflakes. Sword fights. Dancing dolls. And a Christmas tree that reaches the sky,” says the Houston Ballet. “Stanton Welch’s opulent new production promises everything you love about The Nutcracker, brighter and more splendid than ever. In this, the most traditional tale, Clara and Drossel Meyer travel together to the Land of the Sweets where the Sugar Plum Fairy is reunited with her prince – and where the magic happens. With grand sets and stunning costumes, The Nutcracker, features the entire company of dancers playing hundreds of fun and exciting new roles.”

The Nutcracker will be playing from November 25th to December 27th at the Houston Ballet, with a runtime of approx. 2hr.5min .Tickets are sold online.

Another downtown holiday attraction takes place at the zoo. According to the Houston Zoo “the Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland.”

More than 2 million lights are strung all around the zoo, from the oak trees to the pathways. Zoo Lights is a must see this holiday season. The event takes places from November 18th to January 14th.Tickets are available on their website or at the gate.

If you’re more into music, the Houston symphony is having a production of It’s a Wonderful Life.

“Watch It’s a Wonderful Life with music performed by our live orchestra,” the Houston symphony said. “Your holiday just got even more special with Frank Capra’s great American Christmas classic. The Houston Symphony and members of the Houston Symphony Chorus are accompanying the extraordinary journey of George Bailey (James Stewart) and his guardian angel with a live performance of Dimitri Tiomkin’s heartwarming score and newly-restored music.”

Tickets are sold online. Starting from $22 to $115.

Everyone is looking forward to this winter break. Many students have plans to have fun and enjoy the holidays.

“I’m going to Colorado with family,” Sydney Johnson said. “It is my hometown and I’m excited to see my old friends. We will probably go skiing and snowboarding up in the mountains.”

“I’m going to lake Tahoe,” Keith Fuller said. “I will also probably visit family and go to the zoo lights this year.”

There are many events goings on all holiday season, so go out and get in the spirit.